The Huron Theater, pictured here on Christmas Eve in 1983 while engulfed in flames. (Photo by BOB RUSSAKO)

Many Oakland County buildings are more than just buildings to local residents -- they are reminders of childhood memories.

Hundreds of Oakland Press readers recently shared their memories of the Huron Theatre in Waterford Township.

They recalled going there to see "Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Jaws," "Mary Poppins," "Dirty Harry," "The Sound of Music," "Imitation of Life," "Old Yeller" and "Gone with the Wind."

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The single-floor theater, which seated 426 people, opened at 941 W. Huron Street in Waterford Township in 1942 and burned down on Christmas Eve of 1983.

Jodi Prahler remembers that her brothers saw one of the last movies at the theater shortly before it caught fire.

"I remembered being so worried that there was a show on at the time of the fire and relieved to hear that no one was hurt," Prahler said. My family lived close by, and we could really see the smoke, flames and hear all the sirens."

Pontiac native Judy Clees said "Star Wars: Episode VI -- Return of the Jedi" was the last movie played at the theater.

Pontiac native Judy West said she remembers when the tickets cost only 25 cents.

Mark Lawrence of Waterford Township said, "You could get a pack of Lifesavers for a nickel out of the vending machine and a Dr. Pepper for a quarter. Popcorn was 25 and 50 cents. The best smells in the world were in that theater. I miss it to this day."

For White Lake Township native Leslie Evans, the Huron Theatre was where she got her first kiss.

And Clarkston native Gary Niver said he went on his first date there to see "Westward Ho, the Wagons!" starring Fess Parker.

For Gloria Barron Tovar, the Huron Theatre brings back memories of her father.

"My dad would pick up us kids every weekend and take us there to go see Disney movies," Tovar said. "We definitely built many fond family memories at that theater. Huron Theatre equals daddy memories for me. God rest his soul."

Jean McMahon Knie of South Lyon said she used to get into the theater for free because her father was a Waterford Township firefighter.

"I saw all the Disney movies there. Remember when Herbie 'The Love Bug' was there?" she said. "(Huron Theatre) was past Joe's Army Navy. It was right on M-59, the plaza where Bobette's lingerie shop was."

Waterford Township native Jacquelyn Rudlaff said her grandmother used to work at the Huron Theatre and, when she was little, she would spend the weekend with her to help her clean.

"We would help sweep the concrete floor in the theater and were allowed to keep any money we found. One time I found 35 cents and thought I had found a gold mine," Rudlaff said. "I remember, too, the smell of the pink polishing creme that we used to shine the doors. Grandma told me never to say anything about this because she said she would be fired. I don't think Gram has anything to worry about now."

Paula Rayman Gazette of Waterford Township said she remembers the woman who sold concessions.

"She was a short lady with glasses and no smile. Heaven help the kid who got to the counter without a firm candy decision," she said.

Many people said they remember the "cry room" at the Huron Theatre -- and wish that more theaters today had this.

Waterford native Kathy Parrish Myers remembered the cry room.

"They had what you call a crying room next to the projection room, where you could take your kids and be able to teach them how to behave in a show and not bother the other people," Parrish Myers said.

Melissa Donovan-Woodard of Grand Blanc recalls it, too.

"I remember my mom taking me to see 'Cinderella.' And I remember the crying room. We ended up there a few times because of my brother Michael."

Forty-four years ago, Kathryn Hoff said her mother would drop her off with her three brothers and sister to watch a matinee show on Saturday or Sunday afternoons. Many times, the theater would show double features, Hoff said.

"The place would be filled with children," she said. "The movie that I remember most was about Black Beard, the pirate. It couldn't have cost more than 50 cents apiece, because I just remember having a few quarters in my pocket and that paid for admission and popcorn. After the show, our mom would pull up out front to pick us up. The road would be filled with parents picking up their kids.

UPDATE: Waterford resident Bob Russako sent The Oakland Press photos from the blaze that destroyed the Huron Theater and the aftermath the next day. The Huron Theater was destroyed on Christmas Eve of 1983, with "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" being the last movie featured at the theater.

Russako writes below:

"I lived just up the road from the Huron Theater when it burnt down. I heard all the sirens, grabbed my camera and went and took these pictures. I knew it was going to be gone. I have a lot of good memories of this theater."